In the current study, the researchers analyzed adult and adolescent data from a cohort study conducted to assess the feasibility of involving adolescents and adults in HIV vaccine-related studies. While the importance of including adolescents in HIV prevention trials has been noted, few experiences have been reported from sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the 200 HIV-negative participants (ages 16-40) enrolled in the study were 86 (43 percent) adolescents. Questionnaires administered at baseline collected information on sexual risk behavior and willingness to participate (WTP) in future HIV vaccine trials. Three monthly HIV counseling, pregnancy, HIV and syphilis tests were performed. Risk questionnaires were repeated at six months; WTP questionnaires were repeated at 12 months.

There were no significant differences in retention between adults (83 percent) and adolescents (87 percent) (p=.58). Initially, more adults (40 percent) reported WTP than did adolescents (13 percent) (p<.001). At the study's end, both groups reported higher WTP levels, with the figure for adolescents increasing to 40 percent. During the study, HIV incidence was 9.2 infections per 100 person-years (95 percent confidence interval: 4.4-19.2) among adolescents and 5.8 among adults (95 percent CI 2.6-12.9; p=.42).

"Retention of high-risk HIV-negative adolescents in a cohort study is feasible," the authors concluded. "Following education, adolescents reported improved WTP. The high HIV incidence rate in adolescents highlights the importance of including this group in prevention trials."

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